In Warriors Two (1978), Sammo Hung had already adapted the story of Leung Jan for the silver screen. In The Prodigal Son, he once again directed and starred, but this time the focus is placed on Yuen Biao, who plays the young Leung Jan. Leung starts out as an arrogant youth obsessed with street-fighting, but after experiencing severe setback, he hones his craft under his master, and eventually becomes his own man after taking revenge. The film in fact features two spoiled prodigal sons: Leung Jan and Ngai Fei (Frankie Chan), step-son of a Manchu duke—their trouble-making as a result of being excessively coddled by their parents is a clear moral commentary on the film’s behalf. The first half of The Prodigal Son is a fascinating introduction to the rules, traditions, and culture of opera troupe, and Lam Ching-ying’s portrayal of a male dan performer combines opera and martial skills to amazing effect—all these elements harken back to Hung’s background in Peking opera.

The focus of the film is on Leung Yee-tai (Lam Ching-ying) and Wong Wah-bo (Sammo Hung) teaching Wing Chun to Leung Jan. The film’s four martial arts choreographers—Hung, Yuen, Lam, and Bee Chan—together with Wing Chun consultant Lai Ying-chau, take care to display in full detail Wing Chun’s stances, mantras, and moves. Leung Jan’s two teachers offer different perspectives, highlighting not only the importance of adhering to the mantras, but also tactics during actual combat. The Prodigal Son won the award for Best Action Choreography at the 2nd Hong Kong Film Awards.

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